SANFORD - Tamara Joyner, Central Carolina Community College's Controller, has been awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, a prestigious award given by the Governor of North Carolina. The award was presented during a virtual meeting on Wednesday, May 27.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award is for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments, according to the website longleafpinesociety.org.

Joyner, who is retiring from her position as of June 1, 2020, was CCCC's Staff Member of the Year for 2017-2018 and she was a finalist for the N.C. Community College System Staff of the Year award.

"This is wonderful - a huge surprise," Joyner said of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine honor. "This is just awesome. Thank you all so much."

Dr. Phillip Price, CCCC's Vice President for Administrative Services, said Joyner is an outstanding leader and has been a driving force behind numerous improvements at the College.

"Tamara has consistently gone above and beyond to assist students, college employees, and others with all types of financial guidance. She truly cares about people and ensures they get necessary information to make the best decisions," said Price.

"Tamara has been a trusted advisor and provided valuable insights to ensure we have continued to move the college forward. Although she does not like the spotlight, she deserves it for her hard work and dedication to CCCC."

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman told Joyner: "Congratulations and so well deserved! We really, really do appreciate you!"

Joyner received her Bachelor's degree from Wingate University and her Master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.